Genital Herpes Treatment

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

Antiviral medications are the only known treatment for genital herpes,
although these medications do not cure the condition. There is no known cure for
herpes infection, but antiviral drugs have been developed that can reduce the
severity and length of outbreaks. Antiviral medications are taken by mouth or,
in certain situations, are given intravenously. There are few effective
medications that can be applied topically to the blisters of genital herpes, and
these medications are not commonly used since oral medications are more
effective.

What Are Medications for Genital Herpes?

Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are
examples of antiviral drugs that have been used to treat genital herpes. Because
the first outbreak of herpes is usually the most severe, most doctors recommend
treatment for the initial attack. With subsequent attacks, treatment is only
useful if it is given prior to the outbreak or within the first 24 hours after
the outbreak has started.

Suppressive treatment is also given for people who have more than six genital
herpes outbreaks a year. With suppressive therapy, antiviral medications are
taken continuously in order to lessen the frequency of recurrences.

Your doctor can help you decide whether antiviral drug treatment is right for
you and can guide the choice of drug.

Medically reviewed by Robert Cox, MD; American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty in Infectious Disease